New York Comic Con 2011: Horror in the Halls of the Javits Center: The Walking Dead, Ghost Rider, Resident Evil, and More!

By this time next week the 2011 New York Comic Con will be wrapping up for another year, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves — there are panels to see and toys to buy first! Here’s a look at the horror highlights along with a few other genre-related appearances that should be of interest to our readers.

Thursday, October 13th, is void of horror (might be a good shopping day) so this list just covers the 14th-16th. It is, of course, subject to change so if you’re going, keep your eyes on the official New York Comic Con website.

Friday, October 14th

10:30 am – 11:30 am
Once Upon a Time Exclusive Screening and Panel
American Airlines Theater, 1A06Calling all “Lost” fans – join creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (“Lost” and “Tron: Legacy”) as they introduce you to the magical story of two parallel worlds: one in a distant fairytale land, the other in a present-day reality. Following the exclusive screening of the pilot, Eddy and Adam will participate in a Q&A panel moderated by Matt Mitovich, Editor-at-Large for TVLine.com, about this modern fairytale turned on its head. Arrive early for exclusive magic mirrors!

10:45 am – 11:45 am
Zombies, Fallen Angels, and Other Paranormals
Location: 1A23
Speakers: Bob Fingerman, Drew Magary, Lia Habel, Nancy Holzner, Stefan Petrucha, Tahereh Mafi, Thomas E. Sniegoski, Veronica RossiFiction authors discuss the not-quite-living-but-most-certainly-not-dead characters that inhabit the pages of their novels and their complicated, pulse-challenged relationships. From dangerous supernatural investigations to zombie invasions, where do love and kindness fit into the scheme of these post-apocalyptic tales? The concept of good vs. evil comes in to play with an undead, supernatural twist. In Lia Habel’s novel, a proper young Victorian lady finds true love in the arms of a dashing zombie while Bob Fingerman explores human compassion after a zombie pandemic sweeps the land. Stefan Petrucha’s protagonist is wrongly convicted of his wife’s murder, but is brought back to life after his execution ready to make things right. The hero of Thomas E. Sniegoski’s series must fight evil forces while mourning the loss of his wife, while Nancy Holzner’s heroine must deal with a teenage zombie sidekick, a vampire roommate, and werewolf boyfriend. Tahereh Mafi’s heroine can kill with a single touch (which wreaks havoc on all attempts at intimacy). In an apocalyptic world strewn with cannibals and wolves, Veronica Rossi’s dystopian heroine learns to find love with someone from far beyond her realm of experience. These authors will argue that despite the presence of mortally-challenged characters in these novels, the stories speak more to life and humanity than death.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Locke & Key Fox Pilot Screening
Location: MTV Theater, 1A10The most talked-about pilot not on the fall schedule was the Fox production of Locke & Key. After a smash-hit screening at San Diego Comic-Con that fans are still talking about, it’s coming to the East Coast for a one-time only screening! Come watch the special filmed adaptation of “Welcome to Lovecraft” and see the Eisner-winning comic brought to life! Introduction by IDW CEO & Publisher, Ted Adams

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
Batman: Arkham City
Location: IGN Theater
Speakers: Claudio Sanchez, Kevin Conroy, Sefton HillGet the inside scoop on Batman: Arkham City, the highly-anticipated follow-up to the hit game Batman: Arkham Asylum, the Guinness World Record holder for the “Most Critically-Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever.” Be among the first to see and hear new details about the next chapter in Batman’s gritty, immersive world – including some surprise reveals about the game and its characters – from the voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy (Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: The Animated Series); front man Claudio Sanchez of the popular progressive rock band “Coheed and Cambria,” which wrote and performed the track “Deranged” featured on Batman: Arkham City – The Album; and Rocksteady Studios Game Director Sefton Hill (Batman: Arkham Asylum), and more. And don’t leave early … there are special prizes lurking in the shadows.

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Dark Horse Presents: 25 Years of Publishing and Beyond
Location: 1A15
Speakers: Brian Wood, Carla Speed-McNeil, Jeremy Atkins, Scott Allie, Tom MorelloJoin Dark Horse Senior Managing Editor, Scott Allie, and Director of Public Relations, Jeremy Atkins, for a look at all that the publisher has on tap for the coming year. In addition to news on all of the hot new fall titles like Orchid, The Strain and House of Night, we look to 2012 for a sneak peek at what fans can expect in not only the company’s flagship anthology, but exclusive for fans of Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more! Guests include: Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Orchid), Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders, The Massive), Carla Speed-McNeil (Finder), and more!

1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
Haven
Location: IGN Theater
Speakers: Emily Rose, Eric Balfour, Lucas BryantSyfy Series Haven will be at NYCC on Friday! In attendance will be Emily Rose (Jericho, Brothers and Sisters), Lucas Bryant (Queers as Folk, MVP) and Eric Balfour (24, Six Feet Under). The hit summer series, based on the novella “The Colorado Kid” from renowned author Stephen King, follows former FBI agent Aubrey Parker (Rose), who becomes a cop in the small town of Haven, Maine and soon discovers the town’s many secrets, which also holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of her lost past. The creative team behind Haven includes Executive Producer John Morayniss (The Firm, Hell on Wheels) and Noreen Halpern (Hung, Rookie Blue) from eOne Television and David MacLeod (Legends of the Fall, The Ray Bradbury Theater) of Big Motion Pictures, who are joined by Lloyed Segan, Shawn Piller, Scott Piller, Scott Shepherd (Stephen King’s The Dead Zone) and Matt McGuiness (Journeyman) as well as Sam Ernst & Jim Dunn (Stephen King’s The Dead Zone), who also developed the series.

4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Blue Exorcist Screening (by Aniplex of America)
Location: 1A18Aniplex of America presents the hit Anime series Blue Exorcist at NYCC. This screening features the first 2 episodes of the series subtitled. Executive Producer of Blue Exorcist Hideo Katsumata will also be at the screening to give the fans a special greeting. Rin Okumura and his twin brother Yukio have been raised by Shiro Fujimoto, an eminent priest, so it comes as a shock when Rin discovers their biological father is actually Satan! As the border between “Assiah” (the human world) and “Gehenna” (the demon world) is crossed by evil, Rin vows to become the ultimate exorcist and defeat his own father. To hone his raw skills, Rin enters True Cross Academy to train with other exorcist candidates. BlueExorcist.com

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Finding Bigfoot
Location: 1A15Fresh from the forests of North America, the cast and producer of Animal Planet’s hit “Finding Bigfoot” satisfy Sasquatch curiosity, debunk swamp ape myth and transport the audience to the birthplace of Bigfoot. Join them for a world premiere sneak peak of the show’s upcoming Halloween special that investigates the infamous Patterson-Gimlin footage and explores California’s Redwood Forest — the mecca of Bigfoot activity. The crew will discuss their Squatchin’ experiences from the show and share years of Bigfoot knowledge and research. If you’re lucky, you just may hear a Squatch call! The first 100 people to the panel will receive a limited edition Finding Bigfoot t-shirt.

6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
Dirty Pair
Location: 1A18Kei and Yuri. Their code name is “Lovely Angels”, but they’re better known as the “Dirty Pair”. Their arrival at the scene of a mystery is always a source of hope and dread. See, they always solve the case, but, wherever they go, something gets horribly wrecked, sometimes including entire planets.

7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Steampunk 101
Location: 1A02
Speakers: Art Donovan, Evelyn Kriete, G. D. Falksen, John Betancourt, Lauren Panepinto, Morgan Kollin, Peter BabcockCurious about steampunk? Want to learn more about the genre that is rapidly becoming the next big subculture trend? Then come join author and noted steampunk expert G. D. Falksen as he leads a panel discussing all things steampunk. This panel will cover the basics of the steampunk genre, its development as a subculture and fashion trend, and will also explore current developments in steampunk literature, fashion and related topics. There will be all manner of giveaways of many steampunk products at the end of this panel.

8:45 pm – 9:45 pm
AICN COMICS: Horror on the Paneled Page
Location: 1A22
Speakers: Alan Robert, Ben Templesmith, Brandon Seifert , Christopher Monfette, David Quinn , Mark L. Miller, Matt Pizzolo, Menton 3, Tim SeeleyMark L. Miller (Ambush Bug on Ain’t It Cool News) hosts a discussion with comics’ top horror artists and writers focusing on what makes a good horror comic (and what doesn’t)! Learn how to make an effective horror comic from those who do it best with an in depth discussion about all things horror and comics followed by a q&a with the audience.

9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Steampunk in Comics and Literature
Location: 1A02
Speakers: Evelyn Kriete, Fyodor A. Pavlov, G. D. Falksen, Jared Axelrod, Kate Locke, Lawrence Gullo, Mark Siegel, Tee MorrisSteampunk traces its origins back to the science fiction of the 19th century, and the term itself was coined to describe a genre of Victorian sci-fi being written by modern authors. At the same time, steampunk and Victorian industrial age aesthetics have long held a great fascination for comic and manga artists of various backgrounds. This panel will discuss steampunk as a literary and artistic genre, examining steampunk’s literary origins and early examples of steampunk in comic book medium, as well as modern examples from both mediums such as Jay Lake’s Mainspring, G. D. Falksen’s Blood In The Skies, Alan Moore’s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and Girl Genius by Phil and Kaja Foglio. The panel will also feature first looks at upcoming titles and give aways from leading publishers such as Wildside Press, Orbit Books, and Yen Press.

9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Demonic Hotspots, Infernal Pit Stops and the Badlands: The Great American Road Trip To Hell
Location: 1A15
Speakers: Anton Strout, Christina Henry, Edward Lazellari, Kim Harrison, Patricia Briggs, Rachel CaineIn this, the tenth anniversary year of Neil Gaiman’s AMERICAN GODS, the ultimate urban fantasy road trip, we’ve seen a rash of infernal plagues infect some of America’s greatest cities. Witchcraft and demonic activity infect Kim Harrison’s Cincinnati, while Patricia Briggs’ novels wreak havoc on the shapeshifter, vampire and demonic tribes of the Tri Cities region of Washington State. Anton Strout and Edward Lazellari see New York as the ultimate urban fantasy battleground. Rachel Caine has created an apocalyptic outpost in the Lone Star State vampire-controlled city of Morganville, terror has taken a bite out of Christina Henry’s Chicagoland, and Duane Swierczynski’s newest novels take us straight to Hell. These authors will argue that there truly is a continental divide between the forces of East and West; North and South; Good and Evil. Grab a bag of Cheetos, a six-pack of Red Bull, and some holy water and join us as we explore the road to perdition…

11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buffy and Angel Present: Dark Horse Does Vampires Right!
Location: 1A15
Speakers: Christos Gage, Jeremy Atkins, Rebekah Isaacs, Scott AllieDark Horse Comics invite you to attend a special panel highlighting the growing number of brand new comics featuring vampires! In addition to the highly successful, Buffy the Vampire Slayer comics, we introduce you to new titles like Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s Baltimore, P.C. and Kristin Cast’s House of Night, and Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s The Strain! Join Dark Horse Managing Editor Scott Allie; Dark Horse Director of Public Relations, Jeremy Atkins; and Angel & Faith writer, Christos Gage, and artist, Rebekah Isaacs; as well as a few surprise guests for a panel you can “really sink your teeth into.” If that’s not enough, every attendee will receive a free copy of Angel & Faith #1!

11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Terra Nova
Location: IGN Theater
Speakers: Brannon Braga, Jason O’Mara, Stephen LangJoin Executive Producer Brannon Braga (Star Trek: Enterprise, 24) and stars Jason O’Mara (Life on Mars) and Stephen Lang (Avatar) of FOX’s hit sci-fi adventure series for a sneak peek screening of the upcoming episode “The Runaway” followed by a fan Q&A and moderated discussion with TV Guide Magazine’s Rich Sands. 85 million years in the making, this new event drama from the brilliant minds of Steven Spielberg (Jurassic Park, The Pacific) and Peter Chernin, follows an ordinary family on an extraordinary journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a part of a massive expedition to save the human race.

11:15 am – 12:15 pm
SkyBound Panel
Location: 1B01
Speakers: Brandon Seifert , Lukas Ketner, Robert Kirkman, Shawn MartinbroughThings continue to look up for SKYBOUND, Image COO Robert Kirkman’s imprint at Image Comics. The premiere original WITCH DOCTOR has sold out nationwide, the all-ages hit SUPER DINOSAUR continues to soar, and Kirkman’s team-up with Rob Liefeld, THE INFINITE, has been rocking fans to their core… what’s next? Join Robert Kirkman as he discusses the future of the imprint with his stable of creators, including the creative teams behind WITCH DOCTOR, THIEF OF THIEVES, and more! Expect only AWESOMENESS.

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Attack the Block
Location: 1A22From the producers of Shaun of the Dead, winner of the Audience Award for Midnighters at 2011 SXSW and one of the best reviewed films of 2011, ATTACK THE BLOCK is a fast, funny, frightening action adventure movie that pits a teen street gang against an invasion of savage alien monsters. Join writer/director JOE CORNISH and star JOHN BOYEGA for a first look at the ATTACK THE BLOCK Blu-ray and DVD, coming October 25th.

1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Hermes Press/Dark Shadows The Classic Series and the New Johnny Depp/Tim Burton Film
Location: 1A23
Speakers: Daniel Herman, Jim Pierson, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara ParkerHermes Press celebrates the new Tim Burton/Johnny Depp production of Dark Shadows with the premiere, a Comic Con exclusive, of our third volume of our Dark Shadows classic series comic book reprint. On hand at the booth on Friday and Saturday will be Dark Shadows star Kathryn Leigh Scott for signings (times listed at the booth). Also being premiered and available at Comic Con will be Volume One of our classic Gold Key Phantom reprint and the first volume of our complete Johnny Hazard reprint. Last but not least we’ll be premiering our definitive Brenda Starr reprint.

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
McFarlane: The Devil Is in the Details
Location: 1A03
Speakers: Joe Casey, Jon Goff, Nathan Fox, Todd McFarlaneIn a world of comic book icons, comic superstar Todd McFarlane, and his creation Spawn, have clearly stood the test of time. Hear what McFarlane and his creative team have in store for Spawn and his newest title, Haunt. Find out the latest news and behind-the-scenes scoop on your McFarlane Toys’ figures including The Walking Dead TV & Comic, HALO, and NFL, MLB, NHL & NBA sports lines. Find out what’s in store for this cutting-edge toy company! Also, get an exciting “first look” at McFarlane.com Collector’s Club exclusives figures and resin statues, featuring franchise properties with worldwide name recognition. Finally, McFarlane discusses the artistic process of creating a massive fantasy epic in the all-new role-playing videogame, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. Plus special surprise guests and Q&A session to follow.

3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
John Landis & Monsters in the Movies
Location: 1A03
Speakers: John Landis, Tony TimponeFrom B-movie bogeymen and outer space oddities to big-budget terrors, Monsters in the Movies by legendary filmmaker John Landis showcases the greatest monsters ever to creep, fly, slither, stalk, or rampage across the Silver Screen! Join director John Landis (Animal House, Blues Brothers, An American Werewolf in London, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”) as he talks about his new book, Monsters in the Movies, with horror expert Tony Timpone, editor emeritus of Fangoria. Covering everything from Apes to Zombies and featuring photo selections from the book (via the Kobal Collection), the panel will be a unique and witty commentary on cinematic nightmares through history, as only John Landis can present.

3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
Death Valley
Location: 1A22Featuring cast members Tania Raymonde, Texas Battle, Charlie Sanders and executive producers Spider One and Eric Weinberg. MTV has successfully found a way to combined horror and comedy on “Death Valley,” which premiered on MTV on Monday, August 29. The panel will consist of the cast as well as the producing team, who are all well versed in each genre. Discussion will include the unique challenges of bringing the comedy and horror genres together, and how the players and team involved in the series work together to bring all the elements of what they know best to “Death Valley.” Fans will also get an exclusive first-look at an upcoming episode.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Top Cow: We Create… Franchises
Location: 1A15
Speakers: David Hine, Filip Sablik, Jeremy Haun, John Mahoney, Joshua Fialkov, Nelson Blake II, Tim SeeleyJoin Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, along with a host of creators including Tim Seeley (Witchblade), David Hine (The Darkness: Four Horsemen), Joshua Hale Fialkov (Echoes), Jeremy Haun (Artifacts), and Nelson Blake II (Magdalena). Be the first to get the full scoop on what is in store for the Top Cow Universe after the Artifacts event concludes and why it’s the ideal jumping on point for the Top Cow Universe. Get the details on all of the Pilot Season 2011 titles and how YOU can take control. Plus surprise guests, exclusive announcements, and a free gift just for attending!

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Ghost Rider – Spirit of Vengeance
Location: IGN Theater
Speakers: Brian Taylor, Mark NeveldineAfter blazing a trail around the globe in the worldwide hit Ghost Rider, Nicolas Cage returns as Johnny Blaze in Columbia Pictures’ Ghost Rider – Spirit of Vengeance. Still struggling with his curse as the devil’s bounty hunter, Blaze is hiding out in a remote part of Eastern Europe when he is recruited by a secret sect to save a young boy (Fergus Riordan) from the devil (Ciaran Hinds). At first, Johnny is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider again, but it is the only way to protect the boy – and possibly rid himself of his curse forever. Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, the directors of the film, will be in attendance to give you a look at their vision for the film and their no-holds-barred style of directing.

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Zombie Apocalypse
Location: 1B01Six months after a deadly zombie virus spreads around the world, 99% of the population is infected; and things don’t look good for those who are left. Defying the odds, a ragtag group of survivors fights their way across the American continent, risking everything to get to the California coast and Catalina Island, rumored to be a safe haven. Starring Ving Rhames (Dawn of the Dead), Lesley-Ann Brandt (Spartacus: Blood and Sand), Taryn Manning (Hustle and Flow, 8 Mile), Johnny Pacar (Make It or Break It, Flight 29 Down), Gary Weeks (Deadland) and Eddie Steeples (My Name is Earl). Directed by Nick Lyon. A production of The Asylum. A Syfy Channel world premiere original movie.

5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
AMC’s The Walking Dead
Location: IGN Theater
Speaker: Robert KirkmanAMC’s The Walking Dead Panel Event: Robert Kirkman (Creator/Writer of The Walking Dead comic) along with the cast and producers of The Walking Dead discuss the success of season one and what to look forward to in season two. The panel will also include a special sneak peek at the new season. The Walking Dead returns October 16 at 9/8c. Only on AMC.

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Creepy & Eerie: All Hallow’s Eve
Location: 1A24
Speakers: Dan Braun, Josh BraunDiscuss the new Dark Horse Creepy series, the classic age of the Warren Creepy and Eerie magazines, and all the exciting things coming up in the Creepy universe with a bone-chilling panel including a number of special guests. Moderated by New Comic Company’s twin engines Dan Braun (Creepy) and Josh Braun (A History of Violence). Plus, there will be Creepy trivia questions with swag and prizes!

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
MTV Presents Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head
Location: MTV Theater, 1A10
Speaker: Mike JudgeIn 1993 Mike Judge (creator of “Beavis and Butthead”) and MTV knocked their heads together and launched a cartoon series starring a couple of lunkheads and unwittingly started an animated pop culture revolution! Now, Beavis and Butthead are coming back to MTV in 2011 to unleash upon music videos, Jersey Shore, mixed-martial arts, viral videos and more! MIKE JUDGE’S BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD premieres October 27th at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

7:45 pm – 8:45 pm
ZOMBIE SUMMIT: How to Survive the Inevitable Zombie Apocalypse
Location: 1A24
Speakers: Dr Ali Khan, Gale Anne Hurd , Greg Nicotero, Robert Kirkman, Scott AllieWe all know it’s just a matter of time, so Sirius XM Satellite Radio has convened a panel of experts to help you survive the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Do you head for mall or run for the hills? Is a blunt weapon a better choice than (say) a flamethrower? And what to do with those pesky infected friends and loved ones? With one eye on the rise of zombie lit and the other running down our face – err, the other on what you’ll need to do to avoid becoming zombie chow, the Zombie Summit is the only panel you’ll need to attend- if you want to survive!

9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Paranormal TV – Talk and Q&A with Ryan Buell, star of A&E’s Paranormal State
Location: 1A15
Speaker: Ryan BuellThe man behind the hit A&E TV series, bestselling book, and founder of The Paranormal Society — Ryan Buell — will take fans behind the scenes of the most intense cases on his show and reveal the never-before-told paranormal events that led to the founding of the Society. Fans will hear how Ryan and PRS have evolved, both from the beginning and through the advent of the show.

9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Drew: The Man Behind The Poster
Location: 1A24
Speakers: Carroll Spinney, Charles Ricciardi, Erik P. Sharkey, Greg BoasHighlighting Drew Struzan’s iconic movie poster creations, which include the “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones” and “Back To The Future” film series, this newly completed documentary feature film includes exclusive, never before seen interviews with George Lucas, Guillermo del Toro, Frank Darabont, Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, Alice Cooper, Michael Uslan, Greg Hildebrandt, Thomas Jane, Bob Gale, Steven Spielberg, and many others. During the hour, portions of the film will be screened, followed by a discussion about the film, the artists, the artwork, and the ever-changing landscape of movie and entertainment advertising. The discussion panel will include Sesame Street’s Carroll Spinney (Big Bird/Oscar the Grouch) as well as the filmmakers; Cinematographer/Supervising Editor, Greg Boas, Producer, Charles Ricciardi and Director, Erik P. Sharkey. Rare Limited Edition Drew Struzan Movie Posters will be given out to selected audience members.

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
World of Capcom
Location: American Airlines Theater, 1A06
Speakers: Francis Mao, Jason Leigh, Mike Schmitt, Robert TunickCapcom continues to entertain its fans with the best games in the industry. Fans won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn firsthand about Capcom’s newest hit properties, Dragon’s Dogma and Asura’s Wrath, as well as the latest on the just released Dead Rising 2: Off the Record. Followed by a Q&A session.

12:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Grave Encounters
Location: 1B01A ghost-hunting reality show crew finds themselves lost in a labyrinth of terror when they film an episode of their series in an abandoned psychiatric hospital, slipping deeper and deeper into the depths of madness.

12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Spotlight on Robert Kirkman
Location: MTV Theater, 1A10
Speaker: Robert KirkmanKirkman, one of the most successful writers in comics today, best known for his work on THE WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, HAUNT, IMAGE UNITED, ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN, Marvel Zombies, the recent SUPER DINOSAUR and THE INFINITE will offer fans some insight into the genius behind their favorite hit comics. After becoming an Image Comics partner in 2009, introducing the internationally renowned hit TV show based on the comic, The Walking Dead on AMC, and recently announcing an upcoming video game adaptation of the same series from TellTale Games, he has proven to be an unstoppable creative force.